The problem that I've posted before is that the handling just really seems loose.. Coming from the 335, it's a big difference.

I'm reading on here that the Dynamic Handling Package, is a must if your a sport/enthusiast driver.

So I went in to the CA, and said this is what I want to build:

-Sport
-Nav
-iPod
-Comfort Access
-Dynamic Handling Package
___________
Sticker: $61,000 (from website)
Probably can get it down to what I paid on the last one $57,500ish.

My questions are - And Sorry for the neurotic volume of questions.. :)

1. Is the DHP really noticeable?

-Can more people comment on the difference between the DHP and non-DHP package?

-Will it tighten the suspension, be tighter in the steering, and greatly reduce body roll to the point that it's worth all this trouble?

Would anyone not do the DHP again if given the choice?

-Arent' there some kinks with the DHP that people have noticed, if so, what are they?

2. Would you trade up the convenience package, premium 1 package and park distance package for DHP?

The premium 1 is kind of a joke, dimming mirrors, and ambiance lighting.. come on.

The convenience package is kind of cool, but I can close my own trunk, and re-close my doors, if I close them incorrectly.

The park distance control is pretty usefull actually and I have been enjoying it, but again, not a necessity.

I will stand to lose around $2,000 if I do this, which I don't mind, it's the price I pay for not researching the car properly, and being impulsive.

Let me know your thoughts.

Thx,

Jeff

raleedy

07-05-2010 03:08 PM

Test drive is indispensable. Also, without premium 1, i believe you won't have leather. And without leather you can't get sport (because of the seats, which are leather only), which you need for dynamic handling. If I'm right about all this (and I'm not looking it up because it's not my money), it seems like you need to do a little more homework.

TXPearl

07-05-2010 03:34 PM

How will lose only $2,000? That implies you'll be trading in your car for about wholesale on a brand new one? Why would a dealer do that?

JeffreyJames

07-05-2010 03:55 PM

Dealer was honest with me and said they can sell it for close to new price. I won't argue with them. Also your right about premium, so I recalculate and took off comfort access and we are still in the ballpark. Even of I hve to drop 3-4k it may still be worth it if I have the car for several years.

petee1997

07-05-2010 04:46 PM

Expect to lose more than 3 or 4 thousand dollars. If the dealer gets the car now, he will want to book it for 3,000.00 below his drop dead cost. Then he wants to make a profit on the new car. Expect this flip to cost you a minimum of 7,000.00 plus the extra equipment. It's more than the suspension. The power steering is now electric. This is a much larger and heavier car than the 335i. There is an adjustment period. Drive your car for a month, stay off the BMW site, and if at that time you still HATE the car, trade it in. I would think the car will win you over.

richschneid

07-05-2010 06:09 PM

Sorry to here this but I think you are making a good decision. But you MUST drive a car with the ZDH BEFORE you make a final decision. Unfortunately, this IS going to cost you a bundle. But the 550i I drove with the ZDH was absolutely AWESOME. It made my 650i seem like a Model A. Well not really, but you get the idea. And my 650i would not be the same car without the sport package that allows me to change the steering effort and the throttle response depending on my mood and driving situation. I have no suspension settings while the F10 with ZDH has three, plus the Sport Plus setting. I think the latter is only safe on the track, however.

Newmanium

07-05-2010 06:11 PM

It sounds like he's saying that the dealer is going to give him a break on this deal - assuming the dealer comes through, seems like good timing. Losing 3k right now is nothing compared to a year of depreciation if he waited, and is abnormally low considering typical "drive away" loss on a brand new 60k car.

hts

07-05-2010 08:19 PM

there's *no* way any dealer not related by family is giving him (or anyone else for that matter) that deal.

morrisond

07-06-2010 05:30 AM

How about just getting some aftermarket springs and swaybars? Should be lots of parts out soon and will improve the handling immeasureably, for probably less than $2,000

JeffreyJames

07-06-2010 05:48 AM

Do you think that's a good option? Would it affect the normal, sport, sport plus mode at all? Why wouldn't everyone else do that?

snowfreak323

07-06-2010 06:09 AM

If you don't like the car, switch it now before you spend to much $$$ on it.

I have impulsively bought 2 cars, I hated one (a scion tC, I know....a week in I realized the gravity of my error) and a Mazdaspeed 3 (fun little car, but if I had spent less then, I would be about to order a 335i now, instead of waiting 9 months)

As stated earlier, you are a car enthusiast. A car to you is not just a tool to get from A to B, it is an instrument of your happiness and if you have the means, drive EXACTLY what you want.

My $.02

Donjhen

07-06-2010 09:17 AM

The State of Florida will love you as well - sales tax 2x.

chrischeung

07-06-2010 09:51 AM

I think you can claim sales tax as a tax deduction. Plus you don't pay income taxes.

jpzeller

07-06-2010 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hts
(Post 5304796)

there's *no* way any dealer not related by family is giving him (or anyone else for that matter) that deal.

The guy just said he's been given the deal; why doubt it?

jpzeller

07-06-2010 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrischeung
(Post 5305721)

I think you can claim sales tax as a tax deduction. Plus you don't pay income taxes.

Don't you just pay sales tax on the difference between new and trade-in prices?

richschneid

07-06-2010 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donjhen
(Post 5305636)

The State of Florida will love you as well - sales tax 2x.

If you trade in one car for another you only pay sales tax on the difference in price between the trade in value and the price of the new car.

Donjhen

07-06-2010 01:22 PM

Not here in California. Sales tax is charged on the selling price of the car. The credit for the trade is given after sales tax is calculated on the new sale.

richschneid

07-06-2010 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Donjhen
(Post 5306226)

Not here in California. Sales tax is charged on the selling price of the car. The credit for the trade is given after sales tax is calculated on the new sale.

We were talking about Florida. I guess I was generalizing from the rules in Pennsylvania. Does anyone know the sales tax rules in Florida?

dkerr

07-06-2010 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richschneid
(Post 5306327)

We were talking about Florida. I guess I was generalizing from the rules in Pennsylvania. Does anyone know the sales tax rules in Florida?

Definitely take the test drive in a car with DHP. Or order the M-Sport version with a September or October build. mmmmmmmmmmmm M-sport.

jcoles

07-06-2010 10:14 PM

I too bought a 535 without the DHP. When I ordered the car, the salesperson didn't describe the option clearly. I tried to change my order with BMW when I learned what the option was really about but was too late. I test drove mine and one with the DHP option. My salesperson felt bad for messing up and gave me the car for $1,400 over invoice. I decided on that day to take the better deal and save the money. I've wish I didn't. I like the car but I'm disappointed every time I turn the wheel.

jcoles

07-06-2010 10:15 PM

I too bought a 535 without the DHP. When I ordered the car, the salesperson didn't describe the option clearly. I tried to change my order with BMW when I learned what the option was really about but was too late. I test drove mine and one with the DHP option. My salesperson felt bad for messing up and gave me the car for $1,400 over invoice. I decided on that day to take the better deal and save the money. I wish I didn't. I like the car but I'm disappointed every time I turn the wheel.

XZLR8

07-07-2010 08:01 AM

You guys are making me really glad I went ahead and ordered the DHP. I was on the fence... and confused by all of the misinformation out there.

raleedy

07-07-2010 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XZLR8
(Post 5307822)

You guys are making me really glad I went ahead and ordered the DHP. I was on the fence... and confused by all of the misinformation out there.

Where are you getting misinformed? It's been pretty clear on all the threads I've read what the options are, and what they do. Same goes for BMWUSA website.

JeffreyJames

07-07-2010 12:23 PM

Well typically the "sport package" included a sport suspension.. Now it's just wheels and a steering wheel. Since the sport package included the sport suspension on previous models, one would think that would be included in the new version.. I could see how many would get confused.

Update on the deal.. I can get the deal done, but after number crunching, it's going to cost me an extra $5,000 now, since I had some negative equity rolled in to the last loan. Not the end of the world, but wondering if it's worth it. I would have to get the car built.

Quote:

Originally Posted by raleedy
(Post 5308398)

Where are you getting misinformed? It's been pretty clear on all the threads I've read what the options are, and what they do. Same goes for BMWUSA website.